11 replies to this topic

[twentieth]

As I understand, SCI can reduce testosterone production. SCI also wreaks havoc on your metabolism. Has anyone had their testosterone levels tested and been prescribed testosterone? Has anyone used it anyway? To what effect? What about HgH?
This might be an old topic and be ;osted in the wrong place but...

[Whaler rp1]

I've been wondering the same things....sci can lower testosterone, from what i've been told particularly in cervical injuries. I had mine tested and it was way low. Had a major lack of energy in therapy, real tired, no libido. Doc put me on Testim, a gel that's rubbed in. I've only been on it for 2 weeks and haven't felt any different. I'm supposed to get tested again in another week to see if levels are up.

I'm hoping it works...i'm a c4 incomplete 9 months out and have had quite a bit of return, but havent had the energy lately.

[pocahontas]

Sounds like a question only Woofy can answer.

[Wheelsonfire]

Myth....

Low test is individual based, if one is lacking, seek supplementation and not linked to SCI.
I spoke with a number of consultants on this when I seen a thread here, I think it was Jim that threw it up.
Got my levels checked and it came back saying, you're more man than most, figure that ha!!
ZMA will bring it up and aid with a night sleep also.

[Hapahowlee]

My hubby tried the low dose HGH, but had bad side effects especially when trying to sleep.

When he had his testosterone level checked, it was very low and now I give him shots every 2 weeks. I believe his levels were fine up until a few years ago and he will be 53 this year so we figured it would happen.

The shots help and his levels are almost back where they should be. He also uses Testim that he rubs into his thighs.

There's the good and the bad as with most things. He does have mood swings that drive me crazy, but then every time I turn around, he's got a stiffy!!! It's also helping with his workouts and muscle growth.

[David-WP]

I was diagnosed with low testosterone 3 yrs ago, which was 6 months prior to my SCI. Anyway, due to the low levels, my Doc prescribed testosterone which I inject into my thigh weekly. This therapy has increased my energy levels. both pre and post SCI. If I miss a dose, within a day or two I can definitely feel my energy level drop. I did check into getting a prescription for hgh. However, my natural levels were adequate and therefore was unable to get a prescription for it.

[JimG]

Wheelsonfire, on 02 May 2011 - 12:09 PM, said:

Myth....

Low test is individual based, if one is lacking, seek supplementation and not linked to SCI.
I spoke with a number of consultants on this when I seen a thread here, I think it was Jim that threw it up.
Got my levels checked and it came back saying, you're more man than most, figure that ha!!
ZMA will bring it up and aid with a night sleep also.

Am I the "Jim" you're talking about?

All I know is that I was told at the first PT clinic I went to that specializes in SCI that most of their men patients get some form of supplementation.

I get weekly injections and mine is just in the mid-range.

My only side effects are the usual "stiffy" throughout the night, and my hair is now sticking up all over the place too.

I used to have the perfect hair that just stayed in place, but not now.

While not scientific, the guy who cuts it says a lot of his clients my age who start getting hormone treatments have the same problem.

[Whaler rp1]

Wheelsonfire, on 02 May 2011 - 12:09 PM, said:

Myth....

Low test is individual based, if one is lacking, seek supplementation and not linked to SCI.
I spoke with a number of consultants on this when I seen a thread here, I think it was Jim that threw it up.
Got my levels checked and it came back saying, you're more man than most, figure that ha!!
ZMA will bring it up and aid with a night sleep also.

Are you sure it's not a combo of both? As in, individually based but sci's are more prone to it?

I'm 28, and my levels were fine pre-accident. I wouldn't have even gotten it checked had a physiatrist not recommended after I had low energy, and NO libido since the injury.

[twentieth]

How and where do I get the test? Anyone experience hair loss? other bad side effects? What are the side effects?

[David-WP]

One Can get tested at a Docs office. It is a simple blood test. If you fall below the normal range for your age group, your Doc may prescribe supplemental testosterone in the form of a gel or injection. I believe that one possible side affect may be mood swings. Some people tend to become a little more aggressive/assertive. I assume there are other side effects, but I am not an expert. May I suggest that you speak to a Doc who is somewhat knowledgeable in this area. You may also want to "Google" the topic to learn more info.

[Whaler rp1]

David-WP, on 03 May 2011 - 06:55 PM, said:

One Can get tested at a Docs office. It is a simple blood test. If you fall below the normal range for your age group, your Doc may prescribe supplemental testosterone in the form of a gel or injection. I believe that one possible side affect may be mood swings. Some people tend to become a little more aggressive/assertive. I assume there are other side effects, but I am not an expert. May I suggest that you speak to a Doc who is somewhat knowledgeable in this area. You may also want to "Google" the topic to learn more info.

There are 2 tests you'll want to ask your doc about - both taken from same blood sample - Total testosterone, and FREE testosterone. The 'free' level is what is important. That shows how much testosterone is free, unbinded by protein in the blood.

[David-WP]

True!